Lesson 1Motor and prop mounting: motor orientation, thread lockers, torque guidelines, propeller balancingInstall motors and propellers with correct orientation, hardware, and torque, applying thread locker where needed and balancing props to minimise vibration, noise, and premature bearing or frame wear.
Confirm motor rotation layout diagramMount motors and route phase wiresApply thread locker to metal fastenersTighten motor and prop nuts to specBalance propellers and check clearancesLesson 2Documentation and labelling: creating wiring diagrams, component UID, and build photos for maintenance recordsCreate clear documentation and labels for your build, including wiring diagrams, component identifiers, firmware versions, and photos, enabling easier troubleshooting, upgrades, and maintenance over the drone’s life.
Draw final wiring and connection diagramLabel ESCs, motors, and signal leadsRecord component serials and firmwarePhotograph build stages and layoutsStore configs and notes in a logLesson 3ESC and power distribution installation: placement options, soldering tips, ESC telemetry wiringInstall ESCs and power distribution with safe placement, solid solder joints, and clean telemetry wiring, ensuring adequate cooling, strain relief, and noise control while keeping service access and future upgrades in mind.
Choose ESC placement and cooling pathsMount PDB or power wiring harnessSolder battery leads and main connectorSolder ESC power pads and strain reliefWire ESC telemetry and ground referencesLesson 4Frame preparation: mounting patterns, standoffs, reinforcing, prop guard installation stepsPrepare the frame for a clean, rigid, and serviceable build by selecting correct mounting patterns, installing standoffs, reinforcing stress points, and fitting prop guards while preserving airflow, accessibility, and vibration control.
Identify frame type and mounting patternsInstall standoffs and stack hardwareReinforce arms and stress concentration pointsFit prop guards and verify clearancesDeburr edges and protect wire pass-throughsLesson 5Pre-arm safety verification: arming checks, motor spin direction, prop removal for bench testing, telemetry verificationBefore arming, verify that safety features, motor directions, and control responses are correct, testing without props, confirming telemetry, and ensuring that arming logic prevents accidental throttle-up.
Remove propellers for bench testingCheck arming switches and logicVerify motor spin direction and orderConfirm receiver inputs and modesValidate telemetry and failsafe behaviourLesson 6Flight controller mounting: vibration isolation methods (damping pads, soft mounts), orientation and connector placementMount the flight controller with proper vibration isolation, orientation, and connector access, ensuring accurate sensor readings, clean wiring paths, and enough clearance for USB, receiver, and peripheral connections.
Select damping pads or soft mountsAlign controller orientation axesPlan connector and USB accessibilityAvoid frame contact and hard couplingSecure mounting screws without warpingLesson 7Pre-assembly checks: tools, workspace, component verification and firmware compatibilityVerify tools, workspace, and components before assembly by checking inventory, confirming electrical ratings, validating firmware compatibility, and organising parts to avoid rework, unsafe combinations, and mid-build configuration surprises.
Prepare ESD-safe, well-lit workspaceVerify tools, tips, and consumablesConfirm motor, ESC, and battery ratingsCheck firmware targets and versionsInspect components for damage or defectsLesson 8First power-on checklist and calibration steps: ESC calibration, accelerometer and compass calibration, radio and failsafe configurationPerform the first power-on safely by checking shorts, current draw, and smoke-stopper behaviour, then calibrate ESCs, accelerometer, compass, radio, and failsafe to establish a stable baseline configuration.
Inspect for shorts and loose hardwareUse smoke stopper for initial power-onCalibrate ESC endpoints or protocolsRun accelerometer and compass calibrationConfigure radio endpoints and failsafeLesson 9Wiring order and harness routing: recommended sequence (power, motors, ESC signal, receiver, GPS, telemetry), cable lengths and heat managementRoute power and signal wiring in a logical sequence to reduce noise, overheating, and clutter by planning cable lengths, separation, and bundling for power, motors, ESC signals, receiver, GPS, and telemetry links.
Plan wiring order and harness layoutCut and measure cable lengths accuratelySeparate power and signal where possibleBundle and secure wires with strain reliefCheck airflow paths and heat buildup zones
